Correlation Between Self-reported Rhino-conjunctivitis Symptoms During Allergen Exposure and Allergic Sensitization in Patients with Chronic Rhino-conjunctivitis

Abstract

RATIONALE: Clinical diagnosis of allergic rhino-conjunctivitis(ARC) usually base on typical nose and eye symptoms after aeroallergens exposure. This study aimed to find key symptoms during aeroallergen exposure and the most sensitive and specific symptoms correlated with positive skin prick test (SPT) for the accurate diagnosis of ARC. METHODS: 140 patients with chronic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis(70 children and 70 adults,M:F=1:1) were enrolled. Self-assessed questionnaires and SPT to 14 aeroallergens were performed. The clinical findings together with self-reported symptoms scores from questionnaires were correlated with the results of SPT. RESULTS: Among 140 patients, 93 patients were sensitized to at least one aeroallergen and diagnosed as ARC(mites,cockroach,cat,grass and dog were the five most common,respectively). Sneezing,red eye and headache were significantly correlated with allergic sensitization. Rhinorrhea,itchy nose and eyes when cleaning,dusting rooms and making bed were significantly related to positive SPT to house dust mites. Rhinorrhea when playing and bathing dog was statistically related to positive SPT to dog. Nasal congestion and itchy eyes when playing and bathing cat were statistically related to positive SPT to cat. Nasal congestion was the most sensitive and red eye was the most specific self-reported symptoms correlated with positive SPT. CONCLUSIONS: Sneezing,red eyes and headache were significant symptoms in allergic sensitization. Certain rhino-conjunctivitis symptoms during aeroallergen exposure correlated with positive SPT to dust mite,cat and dog dander. Nasal congestion and red eye were most sensitive and specific self-reported symptoms correlated with positive SPT. These findings can be helpful in making accurate diagnosis of ARC in the setting that SPT is not available.